Gingrey Introduces Legislation To Keep America Safer

Press Release

Congressman Phil Gingrey (R-GA) announced today that he is introducing legislation that would prevent Guantanamo Bay detainees from being transferred to nations supportive of terrorism. The legislation, H.R. 4464, the Prevent Terrorists from Reuniting with Terrorist Cells Act, would help to prevent terrorists from reuniting with former associates to plan terror attacks against the United States.

"On Christmas Day, a terrorist with ties to Yemen attempted to blow up a Delta Airlines flight over Detroit, with almost 300 people on board. We were extremely lucky -- a combination of good luck and citizen bravery prevented the attack. However, we cannot trust our national security to good fortune -- we must do more. I am gravely concerned about the President's plan to close Guantanamo Bay and believe that at the minimum, we must at least ensure that our nation is not continuing to send terrorists back to nations that support their activities," said Congressman Gingrey. "This is a commonsense solution. Simply put, transfers or releases of GITMO detainees to nations supportive of terrorism must end immediately. "

Congressman Gingrey's legislation would halt the transfer--for detention or release-- of detainees to any nation or region listed by the U.S. Department of State or Department of Defense (DoD) as a safe haven for terrorist activity or a State Sponsor of terrorism. Of more than 550 detainees transferred or released from the U.S. Naval Station at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to more than 30 countries, at least 301 detainees have been transferred or released into nations or regions listed by the U.S. Department of State as "terrorist safe havens," "nations with terrorist activity," or "State Sponsors of terrorism."

Additionally, since January 2009, at least 18 Guantanamo detainees have been transferred or released to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Yemen, which are three nations listed by the Department of State as being a haven for terrorist activity. Further, DoD has reported a 14 percent recidivism rate for Guantanamo detainees who have been transferred or released and have re-entered the battlefield or reunited with terrorist organizations. This recidivism rate is expected to rise to 20 percent when DoD completes is upcoming review.

Congressman Gingrey's legislation was referred to the House Committee on Armed Services for consideration.

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